86 



RED RIVER EXPLORING EXPEDITION. 



valley of Eed Eiver and the Lake of the Woods ; our 

 object being to ascend the Muskeg Eiver, cross the 

 swamps, and descend the Eoseau Eiver to its junction 

 with Eed Eiver. We were provided with two small 

 canoes fit for transportation through the swamps, and 

 supplied ourselves with provisions to last for ten days, 

 one change of clothing, a small tent, and a pair of 

 blankets each. 



Fort Frances, Rainy River. 



In Mr. Dawson's canoe were a French Canadian 

 (Francois) and an Iroquois (Pierre). In my canoe an 

 Indian guide from Garden Island, Lake of the Woods, 

 and Lambert, who acted as interpreter. 



In describing the general aspect of the banks and 

 valley of Eainy Eiver, it will be advantageous to sketch 

 with considerable minuteness the features of the soil and 

 vegetation at the different stopping places, where very 

 excellent opportunities were offered for acquiring infor- 

 mation on these particulars. 



